Top Places to visit in Chikmagalur in Two Days
Chikmagalur is a beautiful hill station located in the state of Karnataka, India. It is situated in the Western Ghats, which is known for its lush green forests, scenic landscapes, and stunning waterfalls. Chikmagalur is a popular tourist destination that attracts thousands of visitors every year.
If you only have one day to explore Chikmagalur, here are some of the top places you can visit:
Day 1:
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Mullayanagiri: Start your day early and visit Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka. You can enjoy a scenic trek to the top of the hill and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
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Baba Budangiri: Visit Baba Budangiri, a sacred mountain range in Chikmagalur. It is named after the Muslim saint Baba Budan and is known for its natural beauty and spiritual significance.
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Coffee Plantations: Take a tour of the coffee plantations in Chikmagalur and learn about the process of coffee cultivation. You can also enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee made from the beans grown in the plantation.
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Hebbe Falls: Visit Hebbe Falls, a stunning waterfall located amidst dense forests and lush greenery. You can enjoy a thrilling trek to the top of the waterfall and take a dip in the cool waters of the falls.
Day 2:
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Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: Visit the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary and take a safari to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. The sanctuary is home to several species of animals and birds and offers a unique experience amidst the natural beauty of the Western Ghats.
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Kudremukh National Park: Visit the Kudremukh National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. You can take a trek through the park and enjoy stunning views of the Western Ghats.
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Kemmanagundi: Visit Kemmanagundi, a hill station known for its lush greenery and stunning landscapes. You can enjoy a trek to the top of the hill and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
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Belur and Halebidu: Visit Belur and Halebidu, two ancient towns known for their exquisite temples and intricate carvings. You can explore the Hoysala temples and learn about their rich history and culture.
Day 1:
Mullayanagiri
Mullayanagiri is the highest peak in Karnataka, located in the Western Ghats of Chikmagalur district. The peak stands at an altitude of 6,330 feet and is a popular destination for trekking and hiking. The trek to Mullayanagiri is considered one of the most challenging treks in Karnataka, but the stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys from the top make it worth the effort.
The trek to Mullayanagiri starts from Sarpadhari, which is about 16 km from Chikmagalur town. The trek takes you through lush green forests, steep slopes, and rocky terrain, offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. The trail is well-marked, and there are several small shops and tea stalls along the way where you can take a break and refuel.
Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. You can also visit the Shiva temple at the top, which is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees.
Mullayanagiri is also a popular spot for camping and birdwatching. The surrounding forests are home to a variety of birds, including the black-headed cuckoo-shrike, the Malabar whistling thrush, and the Indian pitta.
Overall, Mullayanagiri is a must-visit destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The trek to the peak is challenging but rewarding, and the stunning views of the Western Ghats from the top are truly unforgettable.
Baba Budangiri
Baba Budangiri is a mountain range located in the Baba Budan Giri Range of the Western Ghats in Karnataka. It is named after the Muslim saint Baba Budan, who is believed to have introduced coffee cultivation in India in the 17th century. Baba Budangiri is a popular destination for trekking and hiking and is also known for its scenic beauty.
The trek to Baba Budangiri starts from the town of Chikmagalur and takes you through lush green forests, steep slopes, and rocky terrain. The trek is considered moderately difficult and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
At the top of Baba Budangiri, there is a small shrine dedicated to Baba Budan, where devotees come to offer prayers. There are also a few small tea shops where you can enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea while taking in the scenic views.
Baba Budangiri is also home to several other popular trekking trails, such as the trek to the Mullayanagiri peak, which is the highest peak in Karnataka. The nearby Manikyadhara Falls is another popular attraction that can be visited along with Baba Budangiri.
Overall, Baba Budangiri is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. The trek to the top may be challenging, but the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere make it worth the effort.
Coffee Plantations
Chikmagalur is known for its coffee plantations, which are spread across the hills and valleys of the Western Ghats. The coffee plantations in Chikmagalur are some of the oldest in India and are known for producing high-quality coffee beans.
Visiting a coffee plantation in Chikmagalur is a unique experience that allows you to learn about the process of coffee cultivation, from planting to harvesting to processing the beans. You can take a guided tour of the plantation, where you will be able to see the coffee plants up close and learn about the different varieties of coffee that are grown in the region.
During the tour, you will also get to see the process of drying, roasting, and grinding the coffee beans. You will be able to taste freshly brewed coffee made from the beans grown in the plantation and learn about the different flavors and aromas of coffee.
There are several coffee plantations in Chikmagalur that offer guided tours and coffee tasting sessions, including the Coffee Grove Resort, Coffee Bean Homestay, and Silent Valley Resort. Some plantations also offer accommodation facilities, allowing you to stay amidst the lush greenery of the coffee plantations.
Overall, visiting a coffee plantation in Chikmagalur is a unique experience that allows you to learn about the history and culture of coffee cultivation in India and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats.
Hebbe Falls
Hebbe Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is situated amidst dense forests and lush greenery, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
The waterfall is divided into two parts – the Dodda Hebbe (Big Falls) and the Chikka Hebbe (Small Falls). The Dodda Hebbe Falls is the larger and more popular of the two, with a height of about 168 meters. The waterfalls down in multiple streams, creating a spectacular sight.
The trek to Hebbe Falls is a thrilling experience, as it takes you through dense forests and rocky terrain. The trek is considered moderately difficult and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. Along the way, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
At the top of the waterfall, there is a small pool where you can take a dip in the cool waters of the falls. The area around the falls is also a popular spot for picnics and camping.
Overall, Hebbe Falls is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts who are looking for a unique experience amidst the natural beauty of the Western Ghats.
Day 2:
Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka and is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The sanctuary is spread across an area of around 500 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The sanctuary is named after the Bhadra River, which flows through it and is surrounded by hills and valleys. The sanctuary is known for its dense forests, grasslands, and water bodies, which provide a habitat for a variety of wildlife species.
The Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is home to several species of animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, sambar deer, spotted deer, bison, and wild boars. The sanctuary is also home to a variety of bird species, including the great Indian hornbill, the Malabar pied hornbill, the kingfisher, and the Indian peafowl.
Visitors to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary can take a safari through the sanctuary to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. The sanctuary also offers opportunities for trekking, camping, and birdwatching.
Overall, the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who are looking for a unique experience amidst the natural beauty of the Western Ghats.
Kudremukh National Park
Kudremukh National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is known for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and unique topography.
The park is spread across an area of around 600 square kilometers and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is known for its unique topography, which includes high peaks, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls.
The Kudremukh National Park is home to several species of animals, including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and several species of deer. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the Malabar trogon, the great Indian hornbill, and the Nilgiri wood pigeon.
Visitors to the Kudremukh National Park can take a trek through the park to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The park also offers opportunities for camping, birdwatching, and nature walks.
Overall, the Kudremukh National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who are looking for a unique experience amidst the natural beauty of the Western Ghats.
Kemmanagundi
Kemmanagundi is a beautiful hill station located in the Baba Budan Giri Range of the Western Ghats in Karnataka, India. It is known for its lush greenery, stunning landscapes, and pleasant climate, making it a popular weekend getaway for locals and tourists.
The hill station is situated at an altitude of around 1434 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests and valleys. It is home to several trekking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints, making it a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
One of the main attractions of Kemmanagundi is the Z Point, which offers stunning views of the valley below. Other popular places to visit include the Hebbe Falls, Kalhatti Falls, and the Shanti Falls. The Raj Bhavan, the summer residence of the former Maharaja of Mysore, is also located in Kemmanagundi and is open to visitors.
Visitors to Kemmanagundi can also enjoy activities like trekking, camping, bird watching, and nature walks. The hill station is also known for its coffee plantations and visitors can take a tour of the plantations to learn about the process of coffee cultivation.
Overall, Kemmanagundi is a beautiful destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation, making it a must-visit place for travelers visiting Karnataka
Belur and Halebidu
Belur and Halebidu are two small towns located in the Hassan district of Karnataka, India. These towns are known for their rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels, making them popular tourist destinations.
Belur is home to the famous Chennakesava Temple, which was built in the 12th century during the Hoysala dynasty. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, including the famous Hoysala emblem, which depicts the mythical Sala bird. Visitors can also witness the daily rituals and prayers performed at the temple.
Halebidu is known for the Hoysaleswara Temple, which was also built during the Hoysala dynasty in the 12th century. The temple is known for its magnificent architecture, including the intricate carvings on the walls and pillars. Visitors can also witness the unique star-shaped platform, which is a prominent feature of the temple.
Other popular places to visit in Belur and Halebidu include the Jain Basadi and Kedareshwara Temple. Visitors can also explore the local markets and try the traditional cuisine of the region.
Overall, Belur and Halebidu are perfect destinations for travelers interested in history, culture, and architecture. These towns offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Karnataka and are a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.
